FOGS Colts Challenge

FOGS Under 20s Cup

McKinnon sparks Warriors victory

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The Warriors have put an end to their losing streak and extended that of the Tigers, taking the win 14-0 at a slippery Mt Smart this evening.

Numerous handling errors from both sides (26 in total) meant for a low scoring battle. Inspirational work from Wade McKinnon in defence, along with some puzzling attacking decisions kept the visitors scoreless throughout. Three Warriors tries saw them home and coach Ivan Cleary will surely sleep a little easier this week.

The only scoring play of the first half came after half an hour. A Tigers knock-on gave the Warriors an attacking scrum of which they managed to take advantage. Moon and Mannering employed a run-around move towards the left wing, Moon gave it to Ropati who flicked it to debutant Locke, he sped in at an angle and crashed over for his first NRL try.

Six minutes after the break the Warriors broadened the gap to ten points. Stacey Jones gave an inside ball to Russell Packer who popped a short pass to McKinnon. McKinnon hit the ball at pace and managed to wrestle the ball down between the posts with defenders on his back.

Just before the full-time siren Locke cheerfully dotted down again to give the final score of 14-0.

Kevin Locke was very impressive on debut, bagging two tries and a conversion, he will have made it difficult for Denan Kemp to find a spot in the side to return to. Stand-in captain Michael Luck led his team in defence, making 54 tackles. McKinnon returned to form in a big way, squeezing out of the in-goal a number of times and making crucial tackles. Another stand-out performer for the Warriors was Manu Vatuvei, making several barnstorming charges to work his side out of their end.

The Tigers seemed to sorely miss the presence of Robbie Farah who is away on representative duty. Benji Marshall was forced to shoulder almost all kicking duties and it appeared to prove too much of a workload. Daine Laurie stepped up and his intensity stood out, but the Tigers rarely looked likely to score. They will be desperate for a win over the Panthers next week to avert stretching their losing streak to five.